The 2011-12 campaign saw Real Sociedad, known as urdinak, consolidate their top-flight status, securing a safe 12th-place finish in La Liga under new coach Philippe Montanier. Leading the attack was the on-loan Mexican forward Carlos Vela, whose 12 goals proved crucial in a campaign built on grit and dramatic late-season victories to avoid the drop. It was a foundational year that, despite some fan disappointment over the style of play, marked the emergence of young stars like Antoine Griezmann and earned the prolific Vela a permanent move, setting the stage for future European runs.